DO's
DO keep the shade cloth straight when pulling it taut across any structure.
It has a natural pattern which can be used as a guide.
DO tension large pieces of shade cloth. A tip is to tack one end of the
shade cloth evenly onto a length of cover strip and roll. Firmly affix the other
end of the shade cloth to your structure and tension by unrolling evenly.
DO cut shade cloth with a soldering iron and straight edge. The heat has
the effect of sealing the edges which might otherwise fray.
DO wash shade cloth with water and any standard detergent when necessary
DO make a double seam when sewing two pieces of shade cloth together.
DO buy slightly longer pieces of timber and cut to size if the lenghts
specified are not available.
DO use Alnet's monofilament twine to stitch pieces of shade cloth together.
Alternatively get some other thread or twine - like black polyester - which is
resistant to sunlight. |
DONT's
DON'T use ordinary cotton thread to stitch shade cloth as it will deteriorate
in the sunlight.
DON'T try and glue shade cloth; it simply won't stick.
DON'T treat poles with creosote as it breaks down the molecular structure
of the shade cloth. If an existing structure has already been creosoted, use a
cover-strip between the pole and the shade cloth to protect it.
DON'T allow direct contact between steel and shade cltoh when using the
material on a steel structure. Abrasion and heat can be damaging. Use an insulation
strip such as an old plastic 'thin walled' water pipe.
DON'T affix shade cloth directly over an open barbeque as the heat can
melt the shade cloth. |
